Johannesburg, South Africa, October 3, 2019—IFC,
a member of the World Bank Group, today launched an initiative with the
private sector to increase opportunities for women in the renewable energy
sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Under the four-year Energy2Equalprogram, launched in partnership
with the Government of Canada, IFC will partner with the private sector
to expand women’s access to jobs, leadership positions, and entrepreneurial
opportunities in corporate value chains within the renewable energy space.
The renewable energy sector, which includes solar, wind, hydro and geothermal
power generation, will play a critical role in meeting Sub-Saharan’s Africa’s
energy demand. By 2040, renewable energy could provide more than 40 percent
of all power generation capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the
International
Energy Agency Africa Energy Outlook.
The Energy2Equal program goal is to ensure both men and women benefit from
the growing sector.
Women represent just one third of the renewable energy workforce worldwide,
according to the International
Renewable Energy Agency.
“Closing the renewable energy gender gap in Africa will create more opportunities
for women and help companies foster business development, improve innovation
and engage better with communities,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC Regional
Director for Eastern Africa.
IFC will partner with up to 15 companies in the renewable energy sector.
They will make measurable, time-bound commitments to reduce gender gaps
in their businesses. To help companies achieve these commitments, the program
will offer a peer-learning platform, advisory services to help companies
implement gender smart solutions, and networking opportunities to enhance
women’s engagement in the renewable energy sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
Participating companies in the first peer-learning platform include Baobab+,
Bujagali Energy Limited, Elle Solaire, ENGIE PowerCorner, Greenlight Planet,
Inyenyeri, Lekela, PEG Africa and Schneider Electric.
IFC’s work with energy companies is part of its efforts to create markets
for all. We work with the private sector to close gaps between men and
women as leaders, employees, entrepreneurs, and customers.
About IFC
IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank
Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private
sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide,
using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities
where they are needed most. In fiscal year 2019, we delivered more than
$19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging
the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared
prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org
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